Love Lottery, The

After waking from a nightmare in which he is overwhelmed by hundreds of female fans that all look alike, film star Rex Allerton looks though his bedroom window to see a tour bus full of sightseers approaching his home.

Rex Allerton (David Niven) drives to Parnassus Film Studios.

As the barrier is raised, the silver screen heart-throb inches his Lincoln Capri Convertible towards the gateway.

Rex is asked to back his car up to allow a Nash Station Wagon through carrying the studios' biggest star . . . Fang the Wonder Dog!

With his afternoon call cancelled, Rex tells studio boss Oliver D. Stanton that he needs a break from work as dogs yap outside the office window.

Jokingly suggesting that he marries the winner of a 'Love Lottery' as a prize, Rex drives from the studio.

Travelling to London after buying himself out of his contract, Fans flock around as Rex struggles to get into a taxi after a meeting with Mr. Winant at his theatre. Aldwych in London WC2 with Adastral House at the corner of Kingsway to the top right.

I couldn't step further back as there seemed to be buses pulling in endlessly. SJ

The noisy group is left behind as the cab moves off. Aldwych with Catherine Street and the Strand Theatre in the left background and the Waldorf Hotel on the right.

A bit cluttered outside the Waldorf. SJ

André Amico (Herbert Lom), Chairman of the International Syndicate of Computation, watches the taxi take Rex back to his hotel. Aldwych in WC2 with the exits from the Aldwych Theatre to the right.

An added bus shelter and scaffolding obscure the scene but the theatre exits are as was. SJ

As he becomes increasingly anxious, a Boat Train takes Rex to the coast and a ferry across the English Channel.

Rex imagines Women from around the world singing his name as he travels across Europe with his manservant.

Connecting with a steamer, Rex and Jennings arrive in Tremaggio. Lake Como in Lombardy where Manuel Gurtner explains that to the left lies the harbour and church at Tremezzo with the paddle steamer of the then Società Lariana coming from the direction of Cadenabbia.

A modern ferry replaces the paddle steamer in this comparison shot, which otherwise shows few signs of development in the intervening 69 years (SR)

The shot pans towards land to face properties on Via Regina in Tremezzo. The middle building is the now Hotel Villa Marie, located at Via Regina, 30.

One or two new lakeside properties have appeared (SR)

Via Regina and the shoreline at Tremezzo precisely located by Manuel Gurtner who adds that the in the summer of 1953, the low water level in Lake Como revealed the steps. The archway stands at the south-east corner of the Villa Sola Cabiati property but has disappeared over the years, as have the two trees by the steps.

The yellow notice that has clung to the wall for all these years announces a "ban on laying nets" (SR)

Panning further along Via Regina brings Villa Sola Busca into view on the extreme left.

The balustrade of Villa Sola-Busca projects out to the lake, so the comparison shot is taken from dry land. (SR)

The camera finds André Amico waiting for Rex's arrival. Villa Sola Busca in Tremezzo on Lake Como. The property is also known as also known as Villa Sola Cabiati and Villa "La Quiete".

The villa is looking just as grand in this roadside view. (SR)

A Porter crosses the small town's piazza. Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi and Largo Cavour in Menaggio, Lombardy

Now, brightly coloured buildings populate the piazza. (SR)

The Porter moves towards the quay before André approaches to ask if everyone has been briefed. Facing north-east on Viale Benedetto Castelli with the jetty to the centre.

The lakeside promenade now has a lavender-themed stall next to the jetty. (SR)

André walks towards a group of young Women and sits down among them. Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi in Menaggio with the tower of St. Marta’s church to the top left.

St. Marta's Church now displays a black spire. (SR)

Fearing recognition, Rex disembarks followed by Jennings (Charles Victor). The jetty at Menaggio with Viale Benedetto Castelli heading away to the right

Seemingly unknown in the small Italian town, Rex is directed to a hotel by the Porter. To the left stands the Hotel Corona, currently known as the Hotel Garni Corona.

The hotel's tables now cover a large part of the piazza. (SR)

At the head office of the International Syndicate of Computation, Miss Jane Dubois is advised of the latest gambling gains. The 17th century Villa Sola Busca on Via Regina, Tremezzo.

Villa Sola Busca, still impressively framed by lakeside mountains. (SR)

Following the best nap in months, Rex looks out over the lake from the hotel. Dating from 1787, this is Villa Balbianello on Via Guido Monzino in Tremezzina.

Villa Balbiano is a "must-see" on a holiday to Lake Como, and the comparison views were taken on a visit to its gardens. (SR)

Rex walks across the terrace to take in another view. Villa Balbianello overlooking Lake Como, a location that also appears in ‘Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones’ and 2006’s ‘Casino Royale’.

The villa is a popular spot for wedding photographers and tourists alike. (SR)

Watched by André, Rex puts on his hat before making his way towards the town. The view across the lake from Villa Balbianello in Tremezzina.

The Villa was built on the site of an ancient Franciscan monastery, and now hosts a museum dedicated to Italian mountain climber andexplorer Guido Monzino. (SR)

Rex takes a seat at a café. In front of what is now Cafè del Pess with an address on Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Today's view from the Cafè del Pess. (SR)

Nearby, André gives instructions to some of the Townsfolk. Largo Cavour in Menaggio.

No townsfolk today, just a bicycle and a luggage trolley. (SR)

As Rex relaxes with a newspaper, Zenovia walks up to him and asks for his autograph. Looking across Largo Cavour from outside Cafè del Pess with Princes Hotel, now Casa Themis, in the background.

No tables outside today unfortunately. (SR)

When more Women approach and surround him, Rex makes his escape down a narrow alley. Facing Viale Benedetto Castelli and lake Como from Largo Cavour.

This looks like the place. (SR)

Looking behind him, Rex runs into a small square. Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi in Menaggio.

In today's scene, Deutsche Bank can be seen in the centre, with St. Marta's church visible on the right. (SR)

Spotted by more Women, Rex stops in his tracks and changes course. Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi with the arched entrance of Via Pesce on the right.

A slightly busier scene today. (SR)

Throwing packs of nylon stockings as he flees, Rex delays the pursuing Fans. Looking onto Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi from Via Pesce.

No nylons here today, just chairs. (SR)

More Girls run from the opposite direction before a door opens in the narrow passageway allowing Rex inside.

Now the passageway is neatly tiled. (SR)

Saving him from his Fans, Jane Dubois (Anne Vernon) explains how Rex can return to his hotel.

This is now the Hotel du Lac, following a major renovation in 2001, which seems to have preserved the original balcony railings.(SR)

Telling her that he will be leaving Tremaggio, Rex escorts Jane to a casino after dinner . . . and loses all of his money. Villa Margherita Ricordi, Via Statale Regina 51, Griante in the Province of Como, Lombardy identified by Steve Randall.

Villa Margherita Ricordi was built in 1853 by the music publisher Giulio Ricordi from Milan, and was allegedly where Verdi composed La Traviata. (SR)

Rex is persuaded to go along with André and Jane's suggestion and lottery tickets are placed on sale with his hand in marriage as first prize. The entrance of the Strand Theatre at the corner of Aldwych and Strand in WC2.

Matinee goers queue to see their show. (PW)

Flyers advertising the lottery rain down on London's streets. Looking onto Catherine Street from the corner of Aldwych with the Duchess Theatre in the centre background.

A rather wetter day on my visit. (PW)

Having bought several of the 12 shilling lottery tickets Sally Haynes (Peggy Cummins) walks home from the pictures with Ralph (Gordon Jackson).

After Rex and Jane all for each other and he pulls out of the lottery, bells ring out on their wedding day. Steve Randall found the the tower of Chiesa Santa Maria Assunta in Santa Maria Rezzonico, Lombardy.

Amazing what a coat of paint can do. (SR)

The camera moves from the bell tower to find a carriage taking Jane and Rex towards the church. Via Statale Regina in Piano Porlezza at Carlazzo, Lombardy found by Steve Randall.

The Via Statale Regina connects Lake Lugano at Forlezza with Lake Como at Menaggio, and passes a smaller lake, Lake Piano, at this point. (SR)

With Jennings sitting behind them, Rex and Jane smile as they enjoy the journey. Steve Randall identifies this view as Piano Porlezza in Carlazzo facing north-west towards the Chiesa Santi Nazaro e Celso.

Now a mix of modern and older buildings line the route. (SR)

The carriage passes a group of Children who begin to wave at the couple. Via Elena in Piano Porlezza located by Steve Randall.

Via Elena has been spruced up from the dirt track of the fifties. The modern sign recalls the running children in the capture. (SR)

Cheering as they run, the Children follow the carriage. Steve Randall explains that this is a reverse point of view from the previous capture, facing south-east on the Via Statale Regina in Piano Porlezza, Carlazzo.

The bend as it appears now. (SR)

Rex and Jane approach the church. Via Barelli Santina in Santa Maria Rezzonico located by Steve Randall.

Modern transport replaces horse and carriage at the church. (SR)

Jennings follows the bride and groom. Steve Randall identifies this as the Oratorio dei Confratelli on Via Barelli Santina.

The tree in the capture has grown to further obscure the face of the oratory from this angle (SR)

Carrying flowers, Children run towards the wedding party. Steve Randall explains that the wall is close to Oratorio dei Confratelli at the corner of Via Santa Maria and Via La Torre in Santa Maria Rezzonico.

...somewhere around here. (SR)

Following a hold up at the service, Jane and Rex disguise themselves and head to the quay. The jetty at Menaggio with Albergo Corona on Largo Cavour in the background.

With a plan to be married by the Captain of a boat, the pair take a seat on his vessel. Looking towards properties on Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi from a boat moored at the jetty.

After another aborted ceremony, the lottery winner is announced to be Sally Haines. Looking across Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi towards Via Calvi.

A less crowded view today. (SR)

André crosses towards Tremaggio's quay to await Sally's arrival. Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi in Menaggio, Lombardy with the Grand Hotel Menaggio the left distance.

The best angle I could find without the lakeside line of trees totally obscuring the background. (SR)

Crowds wave as the steamer bringing Rex's bride approaches.

The landing stage in Menaggio, and a lot of trees. (SR)

Women surround the car as Rex and Sally arrive to attend a ball. The 19th century Villa Maria, Via Statale 71, Griante, located by Steve Randall.

The Villa today, without the adoring crowd. (SR)

When Sally loses a shoe on the steps to the building, Police struggle to keep control of the crowd. Villa Maria, Griante (SR)

After Sally marries Ralph and Jane gets wed to Rex, André Amico returns to London. River Walk, now Queen's Walk, running along the south bank of the River Thames in SE1 with Westminster Bridge in the background. The domed structure also appears in 'Saturday Night Out'.

The attraction at the location now rather hinders the view. (PW)

Hoping to find another mark, André spots a likely candidate. This is the site of the former Nelson Pier on River Walk. The London Eye now stands at the location.

Swinging around achieves a better match. (PW)

André hands his card over to Humphrey Bogart. River Walk SE1 with the Houses of Parliament across the Thames in SW1. Manuel Gurtner adds that, Bogart's cameo may have been possible because interiors for 'Beat the Devil' were being filmed at Shepperton Studios at the time.

No Hollywood stars about when I visited. (PW)